Paul Julius Nath was born on July 14, 1938, to Julius and Gertrude (Lohman) Nath in Luverne, Minnesota. Both his mother and father were immigrants from Germany. He was raised on a small family farm near Kanaranzi, Minnesota, with five brothers. Growing up, Paul enjoyed many outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, camping, and playing cards. He graduated from Ellsworth High School and began working.
He enjoyed working with his hands and held various jobs around southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa including as a meat packer for IBP, manufacturing cabinets, and machining.
He was married to Elizabeth (Betty) Brockberg in 1963, and the couple welcomed three boys, Neil, Dan, and Doug. In 1987 Paul and Betty separated. Paul continued to work, helping farmers with field work in the spring and the fall, which gave him the opportunity to drive very nice equipment.
In 1997 he married Jan Brands, and the couple remained together until Jan’s death in 2007.
In 2014 Paul met Jean Bolluyt, who remained his significant other for the remainder of his life. The couple enjoyed many rides in the car around the county, looking at crops and wildlife as they enjoyed each other’s company.
On July 6, 2023, while receiving hospice care at Sanford Luverne Hospital, Paul peacefully passed away surrounded by his friends and family at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and 24 days.
Paul was a lifelong outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and camping with friends and family. He always looked forward to the next fishing trip to Lake of the Woods to rent a houseboat with friends and family. He also enjoyed his trips up north to help Uncle Rudy on the farm. He was also an uncomplicated man, though he could be ornery at times. Simply sitting and visiting or driving through the country were favorite pastimes of his. He was always ready for a game of cards, especially pinochle, and was available to lend a helping hand when needed. He was a hard worker, a value he passed on to his sons, along with a healthy fear and respect for God.
Paul is survived by his significant other, Jean Bolluyt, of Luverne; sons Neil (Sandy) Nath of Marshall, Minnesota, Dan (Colleen) Nath of Luverne, and Doug (Melissa) Nath of Akron, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and siblings Karl Nath, Johannas (Mary) Nath, Norman (Lois) Nath, and Willy (Margarite) Nath.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Gertrude Nath; brother Ervin Nath; uncle Rudolph Lohman; sisters-in-law Melba Nath and Judy Nath; and previous wives Betty Nath and Jan Nath.
Visitation was Sunday, July 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Memorial service was Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Hartquist Funeral Home. Burial followed at Maple-wood Cemetery in Luverne.
To view Paul’s LifeTribute video, service or sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.